Key Points
- Lonely Planet has named Kangaroo Island — also known as Karta Pintingga — the world's second-best region to visit.
- The accolade comes as the island continues to recover from horrific bushfires in 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Western Balkans' Trans Dinarica Cycling Route was first place, while Tuscany in Italy was third.
Australia is home to many iconic destinations, but one has been singled out by Lonely Planet as being among the best in the world.
The travel publisher named Kangaroo Island in South Australia — also known as Karta Pintingga — as the world's second-best region to travel to.
Kangaroo Island has been recovering since it was devastated by the 2020 bushfires and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: Getty / Rocket Weijers
The accolade comes as Kangaroo Island continues to recover from , almost half of the island, in 2020.
The fires and the COVID-19 pandemic put tourism on pause for two years, but visitors have now returned to the island to experience its natural wonders, native wildlife and a food and wine industry.
Bushfires burned through 211,474 hectares of Kangaroo Island's land - almost half of the island - in 2020. Source: Getty / Lisa Maree Williams
What are the world's top destinations to visit?
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024 named top destinations across five key categories: top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations, and .
Mongolia was named the top country and was recognised for its wide-open spaces, adventure activities, and distinctive culinary and musical culture.
Kenya's capital Nairobi took out the top city thanks to its arts and culture venues and array of restaurants.
Spain was named the top sustainable destination and applauded for its efforts to boost off-season travel, expand renewable energy, and bring tourism to previously overlooked destinations.
The United States Midwest was ranked best value, and described as an "underrated region".
